Zangke River Scenic Area

Zangke River Scenic Area

The Zangke River Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

The Zangke River Scenic Area is located in the southwest of Liuzhi Special District, about 67 kilometers from the central urban area of Liuzhi. It stretches along both banks of the Beipan River, from the Tamao River in the north to the Beacon Tower in the south, spanning approximately 23 kilometers in length and covering an area of 57.60 square kilometers. It belongs to the Pearl River Basin and the Beipan River system.

The Zangke River originates from Sima Qian’s "Records of the Grand Historian": "The Yelang people lived by the Zangke River, which was over a hundred paces wide, wide enough for boats to pass." The scenic area is surrounded by towering mountains, steep cliffs, and uniquely shaped landforms such as Datieguan Pass, which resembles a cloth sack—imposing enough to be described as "one man could hold the pass against ten thousand." The Zangke River surges through the rugged gorges, carving out peculiar rock formations that form unique landscapes including the Red Cliff Gorge, White Jade Gorge, Golden Bar Gorge, Basalt Gorge, and Twin Cats Guarding the River Gorge, as well as sights like the Towering Red Cliff, Imperial Charioteer Guarding the Seal, White Jade Beach, and Golden Brick Wall.

Historical relics such as cliff inscriptions, ancient post roads, post stations, ancient wells, city walls, and wooden city steles remain in the area. Ethnic villages like Zangke Village, Jiwang Village, Dabuwang Village, Xiaobuwang Village, Anü Village, and Mucheng Village, along with landmarks such as Laowang Mountain, Jiuceng Mountain, Prince’s Tomb, Moon Cave, and legends of the Yelang King selecting a capital, choosing a concubine, and being lured and killed, add depth to the cultural tapestry. This scenic area is the best destination for exploring the ancient capitals of the Zangke Kingdom and Yelang Kingdom, embarking on adventure tourism, rock climbing, rafting, and enjoying winter travel.

The Golden Brick Wall scenic spot is located on the western bank of the Beipan River, about 2 kilometers south of Lugaa Village. It consists of columnar basalt from Mount Emei with well-developed columnar joints. The joint surfaces, eroded by water, form evenly spaced parallel ridges and grooves about 0.1–0.2 meters apart, resembling strands of red “golden bricks” hanging vertically on the river wall. The wall extends nearly 50 meters in length and is 5 meters high, creating a spectacular sight.

The Maokou Gorge scenic spot is located in the middle section of the upper reaches of the Beipan River within Liuzhi, stretching about 5 kilometers. The gorge is deep and narrow, with towering peaks on both sides formed by three levels of steep cliffs, standing at heights of 300, 500, and 800 meters respectively. The landscape is rugged and precipitous, with dense forests and thick vines in some sections, and bizarre rock formations in others. The river is about 10–30 meters wide, alternating between deep pools with swirling currents and shallow rapids where waves crash against rocks. There are many dangerous shoals, the most treacherous of which is the First Shoal, whose entrance is less than 5 meters wide, featuring sharp turns and turbulent waters. Paddling upstream is extremely challenging, requiring travelers to disembark and climb over the rocks. Drifting downstream relies entirely on the skill of the boatman, with passengers immersed in the surging waves, feeling as if riding a dragon through the water. In the deeper sections, visitors can relax and enjoy the natural scenery along the river, including the Golden Brick Wall, Jade Beach, Immortal Peak, Towering Red Cliff, Imperial Charioteer Guarding the Seal, Xiling Evening Ferry, Ladder Rock, and Hand-Climb Rock, as well as ethnic villages, monkeys along the shore, and more. The Maokou Gorge combines natural dangers, serene pools, and breathtaking views, offering an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience.

A Natural Wonder—Flower Rain Rock Alley. Flower Rain Rock Alley is a major marvel within the Zangke River Scenic Area, located upstream of the Maokou Gorge in the Tamao River section. The rock alley is about 500 meters long and only 15–20 meters wide, flanked by cliffs over 300 meters high, forming a tunnel-like canyon. A cool breeze blows through the canyon, and the sunlight glimmers on the water. Ancient trees and cacti grow on the sheer cliffs, while springs cascade down, creating showers of silver droplets against the blue sky. The entrance to the canyon resembles a towering gate, worthy of being called the "Gate of Heaven." To the right of the gate stands a jagged hilltop covered in ancient trees, thick vines, and dense forests, where monkeys play. Climbing up to view the river and the "Gate of Heaven" creates a breathtaking scene. Below the hill lies a "Flying Apsara Totem," like a natural welcome mural embedded in the green cliffs. This section of the canyon, with its perilous cliffs, serene gorge, and unique scenery, is a rare sight in the province, blending danger, wonder, and serenity in one. Flower Rain Rock Alley is yet another marvel under the heavens.

The Towering Red Cliff scenic spot is located on the eastern bank of the river between the Maokou Gorge entrance and Ladder Rock. The cliffs, formed from limestone and stretching several kilometers, rise 300–800 meters high and have been stained red by iron oxide, glowing brilliantly under the sunlight.

The Rocky Frontier Lock scenic spot is located fifteen li west of Langdai Town. Since ancient times, it has been a vital transportation route between Yunnan and Guizhou and serves as the natural gateway to the central Guizhou region, making it a strategic military location. During the Yongzheng era of the Qing Dynasty, E'ertai implemented the policy of replacing native chieftainships with state-appointed officials and reconstructed the central Yunnan-Guizhou road, establishing the Langdai Prefecture. Heavy military forces were stationed here. In the twelfth year of the Tongzhi reign (1873), Sima Yu Huaixin of Langdai inscribed the four characters "Rocky Frontier Lock" on the cliffs behind Tiedao Village below the pass. Since then, Tiedao Pass has been counted among the twelve scenic spots of Langdai, known as the "Iron-Locked Mighty Pass." A temple once stood atop the pass, offering a panoramic view of the majestic Laowang Mountain, with its peaks shrouded in mist and ever-changing skies. The ancient stone-paved post road, about eight feet wide, was maintained every three years before the Republican era. From the pass to Maokou Town by the Beipan River, a distance of about twenty li, the ancient path winds like a jade ribbon tossed from the heavens.

The Rainflower Rock scenic spot is located in the western section of the Beipan River’s entry, forming a deep canyon carved by the river. It is about 500 meters long and less than 20 meters wide, with water depths exceeding 10 meters. The towering cliffs on both sides rise 200–350 meters high, covered in dense shrubs and evergreen vines. Cacti grow on the cliff tops, while thin streams of spring water hang like silver threads and splash down, with stalactites hanging in various shapes.

The Imperial Charioteer Guarding the Seal scenic spot is located in the midsection of the Maokou Gorge. On the eastern side of the gorge, 200 meters up a cliff, a massive square rock, split by natural joints, hangs like a giant seal. On the western side, 300 meters up a mountain peak, two remaining eroded stone pillars stand like two warriors guarding the imperial jade seal on the orders of the Yelang King.

Address: Liuzhi Special District, Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province